Chapter 210 The Fake Daughter of the Imperial Palace 16
Qiushan Mountain is quite steep, and people who come here for the first time often walk with fear.
Su Jingxi held Su Youran's hand all the way, keeping an eye on her feet the whole time, not daring to be careless at all. Duan Junze followed behind them, his eyes falling on their holding hands from time to time.
For some reason, I suddenly felt an indescribable displeasure and irritability in my heart.
Even if they are cousins, isn't such an intimate behavior a bit too much?
If you are worried that the road is difficult to walk on and the boy might fall, then just hold his sleeve. Why...
Why do we have to hold hands directly?
Duan Junze pursed his lips, wanting to give him a reminder, but after hesitating for a long time, he still said nothing.
Forget it. A distance does not separate relatives. To the young man, he is just a future classmate he just met. It would be bad if what he said made him unhappy and he developed a grudge against him.
In the future...when they are very familiar with it, he will say that the effect should be better.
When the three of them finally saw the gate of the academy, it was already close to noon. Su Youran stopped and fanned herself with her folding fan.
It was originally just something I picked up for decoration, but it actually came in handy here.
She let out a light breath and looked back at the road she had come from. Looking from above, it seemed even more dangerous.
"Maybe we should build a road, so that it will be more convenient for both teachers and students to travel."
If these young people are in such a state, how are those older scholars supposed to go up and down the mountain?
"Many people have mentioned it, but the dean and his colleagues didn't agree."
Duan Junze also looked down with her. Qiushan Academy was so famous that the number of students who became successful was countless.
These people either have wealthy families or have made a name for themselves on their own. As the saying goes, “the crows repay their parents”, and they have indeed brought a lot of returns to the academy one after another.
This includes planning to build a mountain road, after all, it is not safe to go back and forth like this all the time.
Not to mention them, as long as the word gets out that Qiushan wants to build a road, those tycoons who want to gain a good reputation or want to establish a relationship with the academy will rush to build the road.
"But the dean thought that this would better train people's willpower and perseverance, so he rejected them all."
Su Youran nodded in understanding. This was still a stubborn old man.
The stubborn old man Gong Zuling was also panting up the mountain with his favorite student, sighing as he climbed:
"I'm really getting old. I used to feel tired only halfway up the mountain, but now my legs are already shaking after I've only just started."
Shao Xin supported him and tried to let him lean on him as much as possible. Hearing this, he smiled helplessly: "So this road still needs to be repaired."
Gong Zu Ling did not comment: "Let's see again, let's see again."
What are you looking at?
Shao Xin knew that the teachers had been reluctant to build the road because they were worried about another war. More than ten years ago, when the old and new dynasties changed, many academies were burned down.
A destroyed building can be rebuilt, but if the precious books and materials stored in it are burned, they can never be recovered.
The preservation of Qiushan was due not only to the protection of the disciples in key positions, but also to its location which was easy to defend but difficult to attack.
The mountain road is high and steep. It is difficult for two people to walk side by side, let alone a large group of people rushing up at the same time.
Even if there are a few people who want to cause trouble, with so many people in the academy, they can resist them.
"Teacher, do you still feel that the current peace and stability cannot last long?"
Gong Zuling looked up at the towering mountain peaks and was silent for a long time before he said in a low voice:
"This time when I went to the capital, I unexpectedly learned a piece of news that there seemed to be signs of military mobilization over there."
Shao Xin tightened his grip on his hand, feeling a little worried. If a war really broke out, would it have any impact on that person?
The identity of a princess is sometimes a symbol of nobility, but sometimes it can become a shackle that binds people...
This topic was a bit heavy. The master and the disciple each had their own thoughts and walked the rest of the way in silence.
It was not until they entered the academy and were greeted by a lively atmosphere that the inexplicable silence between the two was broken.
Gong Zuling was surprised: "Isn't today a day off?"
In the past, the academy always seemed empty on holidays. Some people went home, some went down the mountain, and the rest mostly chose to stay in the dormitory and have a good rest. After all, the daily schoolwork was not easy.
What happened today?
Shao Xin seemed to realize something, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Maybe the Fourth Prince and his men have arrived."
They basically arrived one after the other along the way, so they should be about the same time.
Gong Zuling's eyes lit up, and when he thought of the calligraphy, he wished he could catch the Fourth Prince and ask him if he had written it.
However, he was concerned about his teacher's status and could not treat him too specially, especially since he was a prince. He could not be treated too lightly or too harshly.
If he acts too close and people mistakenly think that he has already chosen sides, that would be extremely inappropriate.
Therefore, Gong Zuling thought about it and waved his hand towards Shao Xin:
"Go and check for me to see if everything is settled and if there are any other questions. Ask about the calligraphy as well. If possible, ask for another one for me."
The copy in the inn was specifically meant for the owner of the painting. No matter how much Gong Zuling liked it, he would not shamelessly snatch it away.
Anyway, you will have to stay in the academy for a long time, so there is no rush.
Shao Xin was filled with joy, but he had to endure it and not show it. He waited until Gong Zuling walked away before he turned around and headed towards Tianzi Courtyard.
At first his steps were steady and unhurried, but gradually they became faster and faster, as if there was wind under his feet. The journey that originally took more than a quarter of an hour was shortened by half.
When he finally stood in front of the gate of Tianzi Courtyard, Shao Xin first slowed down his breathing, then carefully checked his body to make sure there was nothing wrong, then he walked into the courtyard step by step.
The students who were originally gathered in groups of three or four in the courtyard and were talking in low voices saw him coming in, and they all smiled and bowed to him:
"Brother Shao, you're back."
Shao Xin smiled gently and responded to everyone's greetings: "I haven't seen you for a long time. You all look even more elegant now."
"No, no, I'm still far behind Senior Brother Shao."
Shao Xin patiently exchanged a few polite words before getting to the point: "The teacher sent me to see if the new students have settled in."
He looked at the several bedrooms, all of which had their doors open, and was not sure which one they were assigned to.
Duan Junze heard the voice coming out from inside: "Senior Brother Shao, here."
Just as Shao Xin stepped onto the steps in front of the house, another person poked his head out of the room. After several encounters, he finally saw her complete face.
These days, whenever he woke up in the middle of the night, her figure would unconsciously appear in his mind.
Sometimes she just stood there motionless, and sometimes she would walk towards him gracefully.
But without exception, the faces were always blurry, as if covered by a layer of mist, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't see clearly.
And now, the mist had dissipated, revealing her true appearance, which was even more beautiful and graceful than what he had imagined countless times.
At this moment, Shao Xin suddenly understood what love lasts a lifetime at first sight meant.
Some people, once you meet them, you will never forget them. Some affections, once you start, will be hard to stop and will last until you die.
"Brother Shao?"
Duan Junze saw that he hadn't moved for a long time, so he couldn't help but call out in surprise. Shao Xin suddenly came back to his senses, smiled apologetically, and looked at the clear eyes of the person opposite him. His expression was serious and solemn:
"Hello, my name is Shao Xin. I'm glad you can come to Qiushan to study. I hope you can enjoy every day here."
It’s great! Everything I hoped for, standing in front of you and telling you my name, has come true.
Then, I hope that God will favor me a little more, just a little bit, so that your eyes can stay on me for a moment.
Su Youran blinked and tilted her head to smile. Her eyes were as curved as crescent moons. “Hello, my name is Xue Ran. Thank you for your guidance in the future.”
Xue Ran... Shao Xin repeated it several times in his mind. He knew that this was definitely not her real name. Outsiders could not know the eldest princess's name, but "Ran"...
So, is it Ranran?
“Of course!”
Xue E suddenly sat up from the couch, stroking her chest and breathing heavily, with a hint of fear in her eyes.
The maidservant beside her quickly took the teacup and came forward: "Madam, is this a nightmare? Don't be afraid, dreams are the opposite of reality."
Xue E took the teacup and drank it in one breath. After a long while, she felt her heartbeat was not as intense.
"I dreamed of Ran'er when she was a child. I didn't know what happened, but she was crying so sadly. I wanted to pick her up and comfort her, but suddenly a pair of hands reached out and snatched her away!"
The maid helped her massage her stiff shoulders and smiled when she heard this: "Your Highness is thinking about the eldest princess."
Yes, I miss her two children.
Xue E couldn't help but sigh and waved her hands. She waited for the palace maid to take her hands away before she leaned back again.
I just wanted to close my eyes and take a rest, but I fell asleep unexpectedly.
"According to the date, they should have arrived at Qiushan, right?"
"Yes, I think it's time to settle down."
Xue E rubbed her brows, which were still a little sleepy. They had just arrived, so it would take a long time for them to come back.
The maid knelt at her feet and comforted her softly, "If you come back before the Dragon Boat Festival, it will be less than two months. It will be quick."
For two months, Xue E closed her eyes slightly, feeling lonely in the deep palace. How hard it was to endure more than two months, only those who experienced it personally knew.
Especially when there is no one around you who understands you, the feeling of loneliness will only become deeper.
"I heard that the Emperor was going to Concubine Jing's place last night, but was intercepted by Concubine Li?"
There was no emotion in her voice, it seemed like she was just asking casually.
The maid raised her head cautiously, glanced at the queen's expression, and replied softly:
"Yes, I heard that the little princess was feeling unwell and was crying and looking for the emperor, so the emperor went to check on her."
"And then you just stayed overnight?"
The corners of Xue E's lips turned up slightly, and her tone was full of sarcasm. It was unclear whether she was mocking Concubine Li for using the child as a raft to seduce the emperor, or mocking Concubine Jing for being incompetent and unable to keep someone, and being snatched away by a concubine of lower rank.
Or is it also a mockery of the emperor's inconsistency and inability to resist temptation?
The palace maid didn't dare to think too deeply, she lowered her head and dared not speak.
Xue E didn't expect her to answer. Over the years, she had become indifferent to love between men and women. She knew exactly what kind of person the emperor was.
He seems to be cheerful, generous and considerate to everyone, but in fact he is the most cold-blooded and ruthless, and he can turn against anyone at any time.
Apart from Ran'er, who else did he really care about? Even his other children did not seem to be that caring to him.
Now he is still willing to play sexy games with Lipin, just because she is still pretty and fresh. Once he gets tired of this game, today's fun will become a death warrant tomorrow!
Xue E's eyes were gloomy. She was just waiting to see these people in the palace pounce on her one by one and then fall down one by one.
The author has something to say:
I wish you all a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and Teachers' Day, happiness and health, and spread flowers~
There's nothing much to give you, so I'll just give you the second update to cheer you up. But I'm not sure when it will be finished. If it's too late, and it's not finished after 10 o'clock, it will probably be in the early morning (laughing and crying). Then you can wait and see tomorrow, hehe
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